Jammu, Jan 11, KDC: A Special Court designated under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act in Jammu has issued a proclamation under Section 82 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) against Zaffar Hussain Bhat, alias Khursheed Alam, a resident of Liver, Srigufwara, Anantnag, in connection with an ongoing terror-related investigation.
A proclamation notice issued by the court, a copy of which is in the possession of Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com, reads that the accused has been named in case RC-01/2022/NIA/JMU, arising from FIR No. 32/2022 registered at Kulgam Police Station, for alleged offences under Sections 13, 16, 18, and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 7/27 of the Arms Act.
According to the court, a general warrant for Bhat’s arrest had been issued earlier but was returned unexecuted as the accused could not be located. The prosecution submitted that Bhat has absconded or is deliberately evading arrest.
In light of this, the court has directed Bhat to appear before it within 30 days from the publication of the proclamation. Failure to comply will lead to proceedings under Section 83 CrPC, which allows for the attachment of the absconder’s properties.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, NIA Jammu, has been instructed to ensure the publication of the proclamation in widely circulated newspapers, including one in the accused’s residential area and a national daily. Additionally, the notice will be affixed to a conspicuous part of his residence and other public places in his locality.
The case pertains to investigation into terror-related activities in Jammu and Kashmir. (KDC)